Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Glass/Epoxy and Carbon/Epoxy Fiber-Reinforced Composite Laminates

Abstract

The paper discusses the procedure followed for the fabrication of fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminates from unidirectional glass and carbon fiber, using the classical hand-layup technique. The mechanical properties of these laminates were determined through a series of standard characterization tests, conducted on specimens drawn out in the form of coupons. To understand the material response, stress-vs.-strain curves till failure are plotted and analyzed. The test results showed that except for the longitudinal tensile strength and modulus, glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates possess better mechanical properties than carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. The obtained strength and stiffness properties can be utilized for the analysis and design of composite structural elements fabricated from such laminates.